Aid denied for past drug offenders Report finds 160,000 students refused aid after convictions

More than 160,000 applicants for student aid have been denied since 1998 because of past drug convictions, according to a report released Tuesday which covered the results of the provision made to the Higher Education Act.

Under the amendment introduced by U.S. Rep. Mark Souder, R-In., convicted drug offenders, including those with only first offense misdemeanors, are barred from receiving select government benefits such as student aid money.

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